Sai Baba is one of the spiritual leaders in history. He is worshipped by people of every religion Hindu, Muslim, Christians, and Zoroastrians. Sai Baba’s sacred living place for most of his life was Shirdi, hence he is known as Shirdi wale Sai Baba.
The birth date of Shri Sai Baba is considered to be 1835; however, the exact birth date is not known. It is said that Sai Baba was born in a Brahmin family, and he was later given to a Fakir when Baba was five years old.
Shri Sai Baba and the Sacred Place Shirdi
People say that when Baba was 16 years old, he visited Shirdi. People of that place often saw Baba doing meditation at such a young age. This inspired people as a 16 years old boy was doing meditation sitting under a neem tree on his asana. This grew a lot of people’s interest, and many came to enquire about the boy.
There was a woman named Bayajabai, who was the wife of the village chief. She used to enquire about Baba and his health. She also started bringing him food later and ensure the well-being of Baba. Ask Shirdi Sai Baba started seeing her as his mother, and soon the villagers also started showing their faith in Baba.
Once, the village chief and the priest of that town were possessed by Lord Khandoba. The spirit pointed toward Sai Baba and said that there is a holy spirit here. Later, Baba told them to dig the neem tree to the roots where he used to meditate.
As the villagers started digging the tree to the roots, they found a lit Diya there. The lamp was glowing there without any oil and air. This made every go in wonder, and later Baba told that this is where his Guru used to do penance. Sai Baba told the villagers to worship that place instead of worshipping him. People agreed with Baba, and to this day, thousands of devotees visit that place to seek blessings and witness the miracle.
Baba spent three years in Shirdi, and he left there for about one year. During that one year, no one heard anything about Baba, but it is said that Baba met many Fakirs, saint and even worked as a weaver. Later in 1858, Baba permanently shifted to Shirdi, and for the first five years, he used to accommodate under the same neem tree.
Baba also used to visit Jungle and meditate there. Later he shifted to a nearby mosque, and the Muslims also got to know about him. Baba used to keep a sacred fire there called “Dhuni.” According to Baba, the ash of that Dhuni was the ultimate healer for all health issues, and gradually both Hindus and Muslims started visiting Baba.
The Preaching of Baba
Baba always used to say, “Sabka Malik Ek.” He meant that there are no different Gods, and everyone should believe in that supreme power, regardless of their religion. He was not in favor of Hinduism, Christianity, or Muslim; he always advised his devotees that there is one single power that we know with different names.
Baba always believed in ordinary life and instructed the devotees the same. However, he never stopped anyone from following their religion; he asked people to recite their God’s name and their holy books whichever they believe in.
Baba was a peaceful soul, and he shared the message of spreading happiness.
He advised humankind to help every living being, and even if you can’t, then treat them with respect.
Baba said that give food and water to the needy ones irrespective of their religion.
He said that have faith in the almighty, and you will receive his blessings.
He believed in building good karma so you can reap its results later.
Shri Shirdi Saibaba Miracles
Baba was also known for his miracles and how his miracles saved lives at times. He was blessed by the power to read minds. Baba could fix the body parts, went to his tomb at his own will, and took rebirth after three days. He cured many people’s ailments, he solved many issues in the families, and once he even stopped the mosque from falling and saved many people.
There are many movies and TV serials that depict the life story of Sai Baba. One who wants to get enlightened or have a keen interest in Sai Baba may watch the content online.